July 2012 Guest Editor Barbara Erskine on the Shardlake series...
Although these have been written more recently, I wanted to include C J Sansom’s wonderful historical series about Tudor lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. My love of mystery and crime is doubly satisfied with a historical setting which comes over as authentic and vividly exciting.
The Shardlake series
1. Dissolution
2. Dark Fire
3. Sovereign
4. Revelation
5. Heartstone
A 2011 World Book Night selection.
Henry VIII has proclaimed himself Supreme Head of the Church and the country is waking up to savage new laws. Under the order of Thomas Cromwell, a team of commissioners is sent through the country to investigate the monasteries. But on the Sussex coast, at the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiralled out of control.
Our Editorial Guru, Sarah Broadhurst, has suggested others book and authors that would be perfect for you to read next or to pass on the recommendation - so your gift will keep on giving enjoyment. Her selections for this title are: Ariana Franklin, Emma Campion.
A thrilling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation based on CJ Sansom's bestselling Tudor crime novel. Winter, 1537. Henry VIII has declared himself Supreme Head of the Church, and instructed his chief minister Thomas Cromwell to dissolve England's religious houses and seize their wealth. But Cromwell's plot to bring down the abbeys has hit a snag - one of the King's Commissioners has been found brutally murdered in Scarnsea monastery, on the south coast of Kent. If news of the killing were to get out, the consequences could be disastrous. Desiring a quick, discreet result, he sends his trusted lawyer-detective, Matthew Shardlake, to investigate. However, as Shardlake interviews the prime suspects and delves deeper into the mysteries of Scarnsea, it soon becomes clear that the case will not be as simple to solve as he had hoped. Which of the terrified monks is the murderer? And can Shardlake catch him before he strikes again? CJ Sansom's 'Shardlake' series has sold over two million copies, and this atmospheric dramatisation starring BAFTA-winning actor Jason Watkins (The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries) brings his début novel to electrifying life. Fast-paced and suspenseful, it is both an engrossing murder mystery and a brilliantly realised portrayal of Tudor England. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Recommendations: |
A thrilling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation based on CJ Sansom's bestselling Tudor crime novel. Winter, 1537.
Dissolution features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations
Paperback, CD-Audio, Ebook. Not Available.
Dissolution was written by C. J. Sansom and published by BBC Physical Audio an imprint of BBC Audio
Yes it is part of The Shardlake Series series
